9368ajha@icimod.orgv. p.THESISClimate variability or grazing? Trans Himalayan rangeland dynamics in the context of global changes: Integration of remote sensing/GIS analysis and geographical fieldwork2011The thesis analyzes the effects of climate change and variability on pasture in the mountains in rural Mustang and Manang in Nepal Trans-Himalaya. The areas located in the rain shadow of the Himalayas and in the last decade, the population experienced increased temperatures, reduced rainfall and not least a great reduction in the duration of snow cover on farms. It has led to a decline in productivity in pastures that thousands of farmers in the area depends. Using satellite remote sensing can see how variations in precipitation and snow cover affect productivity and growth season length, and therefore the quality of pastures. This study highlights, among other things, how seasonal variations in rain and snow, not just annual measurements are important for local farmers. Grazing in the Himalayan mountain has for millennia been managed through complex institutional systems, and the state of the farms must also be considered in light of the use of the sites. Tourism, trade and migration in addition to climate change and reduced dependence on livestock. There has been a reduction in the number of animals, the composition of the populations change and new management systems are developed. An important finding is that the degradation that can be detected in some areas only partly be explained by human influence, while rainfall and above changes during the winter season are the main causes.HimalayaGlobal changeMustangNepalClimate changeGeoinformation and RSRangelands, grasslands, and pasturePaudel, K. P.Thesis (Ph. D.) - University of Bergen, Bergen, NorwayTHESIS--2011-175English